1
|
Chunchai T, Chinchapo T, Sripetchwandee J, Thonusin C, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. Lipopolysaccharide exacerbates depressive-like behaviors in obese rats through complement C1q-mediated synaptic elimination by microglia. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14130. [PMID: 38462756 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM Prolonged high-fat diet (HFD) consumption has been shown to impair cognition and depression. The combined effects of HFD and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration on those outcomes have never been thoroughly investigated. This study investigated the effects of LPS, HFD consumption, and a combination of both conditions on microglial dysfunction, microglial morphological alterations, synaptic loss, cognitive dysfunction, and depressive-like behaviors. METHODS Sixty-four male Wistar rats were fed either a normal diet (ND) or HFD for 12 weeks, followed by single dose-subcutaneous injection of either vehicle or LPS. Then, cognitive function and depressive-like behaviors were assessed. Then, rats were euthanized, and the whole brain, hippocampus, and spleen were collected for further investigation, including western blot analysis, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and brain metabolome determination. RESULTS HFD-fed rats developed obese characteristics. Both HFD-fed rats with vehicle and ND-fed rats with LPS increased cholesterol and serum LPS levels, which were exacerbated in HFD-fed rats with LPS. HFD consumption, but not LPS injection, caused oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier disruption, and decreased neurogenesis. Both HFD and LPS administration triggered an increase in inflammatory genes on microglia and astrocytes, increased c1q colocalization with microglia, and increased dendritic spine loss, which were exacerbated in the combined conditions. Both HFD and LPS altered neurotransmitters and disrupted brain metabolism. Interestingly, HFD consumption, but not LPS, induced cognitive decline, whereas both conditions individually induced depressive-like behaviors, which were exacerbated in the combined conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that LPS aggravates metabolic disturbances, neuroinflammation, microglial synaptic engulfment, and depressive-like behaviors in obese rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Titikorn Chunchai
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Thirathada Chinchapo
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jirapas Sripetchwandee
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chanisa Thonusin
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siriporn C Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li S, Graham ES, Unsworth CP. Extracellular ATP release predominantly mediates Ca2+ communication locally in highly organised, stellate-Like patterned networks of adult human astrocytes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289350. [PMID: 37788259 PMCID: PMC10547170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'Astrocyte Network' and the understanding of its communication has been posed as a new grand challenge to be investigated by contemporary science. However, communication studies in astrocyte networks have investigated traditional petri-dish in vitro culture models where cells are closely packed and can deviate from the stellate form observed in the brain. Using novel cell patterning approaches, highly organised, regular grid networks of astrocytes on chip, to single-cell fidelity are constructed, permitting a stellate-like in vitro network model to be realised. By stimulating the central cell with a single UV nanosecond laser pulse, the initiation/propagation pathways of stellate-like networks are re-explored. The authors investigate the mechanisms of intercellular Ca2+ communication and discover that stellate-like networks of adult human astrocytes in vitro actually exploit extracellular ATP release as their dominant propagation pathway to cells in the network locally; being observed even down to the nearest neighbour and next nearest neighbouring cells-contrary to the reported gap junction. This discovery has significant ramifications to many neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke and aggressive astrocytomas where gap junctions can be targeted. In cases where such gap junction targeting has failed, this new finding suggests that these conditions should be re-visited and the ATP transmission pathway targeted instead.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Li
- Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - E. Scott Graham
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology & Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles P. Unsworth
- Department of Engineering Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mihailova V, Stoyanova II, Tonchev AB. Glial Populations in the Human Brain Following Ischemic Injury. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2332. [PMID: 37760773 PMCID: PMC10525766 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in glial cells in the central nervous system due to their important role in maintaining brain homeostasis under physiological conditions and after injury. A significant amount of evidence has been accumulated regarding their capacity to exert either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects under different pathological conditions. In combination with their proliferative potential, they contribute not only to the limitation of brain damage and tissue remodeling but also to neuronal repair and synaptic recovery. Moreover, reactive glial cells can modulate the processes of neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, and migration of neurons in the existing neural circuits in the adult brain. By discovering precise signals within specific niches, the regulation of sequential processes in adult neurogenesis holds the potential to unlock strategies that can stimulate the generation of functional neurons, whether in response to injury or as a means of addressing degenerative neurological conditions. Cerebral ischemic stroke, a condition falling within the realm of acute vascular disorders affecting the circulation in the brain, stands as a prominent global cause of disability and mortality. Extensive investigations into glial plasticity and their intricate interactions with other cells in the central nervous system have predominantly relied on studies conducted on experimental animals, including rodents and primates. However, valuable insights have also been gleaned from in vivo studies involving poststroke patients, utilizing highly specialized imaging techniques. Following the attempts to map brain cells, the role of various transcription factors in modulating gene expression in response to cerebral ischemia is gaining increasing popularity. Although the results obtained thus far remain incomplete and occasionally ambiguous, they serve as a solid foundation for the development of strategies aimed at influencing the recovery process after ischemic brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Mihailova
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria; (I.I.S.); (A.B.T.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chatterjee P, Vermunt L, Gordon BA, Pedrini S, Boonkamp L, Armstrong NJ, Xiong C, Singh AK, Li Y, Sohrabi HR, Taddei K, Molloy MP, Benzinger TL, Morris JC, Karch CM, Berman SB, Chhatwal J, Cruchaga C, Graff-Radford NR, Day GS, Farlow M, Fox NC, Goate AM, Hassenstab J, Lee JH, Levin J, McDade E, Mori H, Perrin RJ, Sanchez-Valle R, Schofield PR, Levey A, Jucker M, Masters CL, Fagan AM, Bateman RJ, Martins RN, Teunissen CE. Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease: Associations with Aβ-PET, neurodegeneration, and cognition. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:2790-2804. [PMID: 36576155 PMCID: PMC10300233 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a promising candidate blood-based biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis and prognostication. The timing of its disease-associated changes, its clinical correlates, and biofluid-type dependency will influence its clinical utility. METHODS We evaluated plasma, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) GFAP in families with autosomal dominant AD (ADAD), leveraging the predictable age at symptom onset to determine changes by stage of disease. RESULTS Plasma GFAP elevations appear a decade before expected symptom onset, after amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation and prior to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Plasma GFAP distinguished Aβ-positive from Aβ-negative ADAD participants and showed a stronger relationship with Aβ load in asymptomatic than symptomatic ADAD. Higher plasma GFAP was associated with the degree and rate of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Serum GFAP showed similar relationships, but these were less pronounced for CSF GFAP. CONCLUSION Our findings support a role for plasma GFAP as a clinical biomarker of Aβ-related astrocyte reactivity that is associated with cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. HIGHLIGHTS Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) elevations appear a decade before expected symptom onset in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD). Plasma GFAP was associated to amyloid positivity in asymptomatic ADAD. Plasma GFAP increased with clinical severity and predicted disease progression. Plasma and serum GFAP carried similar information in ADAD, while cerebrospinal fluid GFAP did not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratishtha Chatterjee
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2019, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Lisa Vermunt
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, programme Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brian A. Gordon
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Steve Pedrini
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Lynn Boonkamp
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, programme Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicola J. Armstrong
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Chengjie Xiong
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Abhay K. Singh
- Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hamid R. Sohrabi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2019, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia; Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Nedlands, WA, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Future Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Kevin Taddei
- School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Mark P. Molloy
- Bowel Cancer and Biomarker Laboratory, Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Tammie L.S. Benzinger
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - John C. Morris
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Celeste M. Karch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sarah B. Berman
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jasmeer Chhatwal
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlos Cruchaga
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Gregory S Day
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Martin Farlow
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nick C. Fox
- Dementia Research Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alison M. Goate
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Hassenstab
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jae-Hong Lee
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Johannes Levin
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Eric McDade
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hiroshi Mori
- Osaka Metropolitan University, Nagaoka Sutoku University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Richard J. Perrin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Raquel Sanchez-Valle
- Alzheimer’s Disease and other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peter R. Schofield
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Allan Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mathias Jucker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany. Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Colin L. Masters
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anne M. Fagan
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Randall J. Bateman
- Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ralph N. Martins
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2019, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; The Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton South, Australia; KaRa Institute of Neurological Disease, Sydney, Macquarie Park, Australia; Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Charlotte E. Teunissen
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, programme Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li J, Wang P, Wang LY, Wu Y, Wang J, Yu D, Chen Z, Shi H, Yin S. Redistribution of the astrocyte phenotypes in the medial vestibular nuclei after unilateral labyrinthectomy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1146147. [PMID: 37434761 PMCID: PMC10330711 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1146147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous and involved in different aspects of fundamental functions in the central nervous system (CNS). However, whether and how this heterogeneous population of cells reacts to the pathophysiological challenge is not well understood. To investigate the response status of astrocytes in the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) after vestibular loss, we examined the subtypes of astrocytes in MVN using single-cell sequencing technology in a unilateral labyrinthectomy mouse model. We discovered four subtypes of astrocytes in the MVN with each displaying unique gene expression profiles. After unilateral labyrinthectomy, the proportion of the astrocytic subtypes and their transcriptional features on the ipsilateral side of the MVN differ significantly from those on the contralateral side. With new markers to detect and classify the subtypes of astrocytes in the MVN, our findings implicate potential roles of the adaptive changes of astrocyte subtypes in the early vestibular compensation following peripheral vestibular damage to reverse behavioral deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengjun Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu-Yang Wang
- Programs in Neurosciences & Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yaqin Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiping Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongzhen Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengnong Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai, China
| | - Shankai Yin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kruk PK, Nader K, Skupien-Jaroszek A, Wójtowicz T, Buszka A, Olech-Kochańczyk G, Wilczynski GM, Worch R, Kalita K, Włodarczyk J, Dzwonek J. Astrocytic CD44 Deficiency Reduces the Severity of Kainate-Induced Epilepsy. Cells 2023; 12:1483. [PMID: 37296604 PMCID: PMC10252631 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, yet we still lack a successful treatment for all epileptic patients. Most of the available drugs modulate neuronal activity. Astrocytes, the most abundant cells in the brain, may constitute alternative drug targets. A robust expansion of astrocytic cell bodies and processes occurs after seizures. Highly expressed in astrocytes, CD44 adhesion protein is upregulated during injury and is suggested to be one of the most important proteins associated with epilepsy. It connects the astrocytic cytoskeleton to hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix, influencing both structural and functional aspects of brain plasticity. METHODS Herein, we used transgenic mice with an astrocyte CD44 knockout to evaluate the impact of the hippocampal CD44 absence on the development of epileptogenesis and ultrastructural changes at the tripartite synapse. RESULTS We demonstrated that local, virally-induced CD44 deficiency in hippocampal astrocytes reduces reactive astrogliosis and decreases the progression of kainic acid-induced epileptogenesis. We also observed that CD44 deficiency resulted in structural changes evident in a higher dendritic spine number along with a lower percentage of astrocyte-synapse contacts, and decreased post-synaptic density size in the hippocampal molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study indicates that CD44 signaling may be important for astrocytic coverage of synapses in the hippocampus and that alterations of astrocytes translate to functional changes in the pathology of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja K. Kruk
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Nader
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Partnership for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders-Braincity, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skupien-Jaroszek
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wójtowicz
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Buszka
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gabriela Olech-Kochańczyk
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz M. Wilczynski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Remigiusz Worch
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kalita
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Partnership for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders-Braincity, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Włodarczyk
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Dzwonek
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gradisnik L, Velnar T. Astrocytes in the central nervous system and their functions in health and disease: A review. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:3385-3394. [PMID: 37383914 PMCID: PMC10294192 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i15.3385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are key cells in the central nervous system. They are involved in many important functions under physiological and pathological conditions. As part of neuroglia, they have been recognised as cellular elements in their own right. The name astrocyte was first proposed by Mihaly von Lenhossek in 1895 because of the finely branched processes and star-like appearance of these particular cells. As early as the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ramon y Cajal and Camillo Golgi had noted that although astrocytes have stellate features, their morphology is extremely diverse. Modern research has confirmed the morphological diversity of astrocytes both in vitro and in vivo and their complex, specific, and important roles in the central nervous system. In this review, the functions of astrocytes and their roles are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Gradisnik
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty Maribor, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
| | - Tomaz Velnar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- AMEU ECM Maribor, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rodríguez-Callejas JD, Fuchs E, Perez-Cruz C. Atrophic astrocytes in aged marmosets present tau hyperphosphorylation, RNA oxidation, and DNA fragmentation. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 129:121-136. [PMID: 37302213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes perform multiple essential functions in the brain showing morphological changes. Hypertrophic astrocytes are commonly observed in cognitively healthy aged animals, implying a functional defense mechanism without losing neuronal support. In neurodegenerative diseases, astrocytes show morphological alterations, such as decreased process length and reduced number of branch points, known as astroglial atrophy, with detrimental effects on neuronal cells. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a non-human primate that, with age, develops several features that resemble neurodegeneration. In this study, we characterize the morphological alterations in astrocytes of adolescent (mean 1.75 y), adult (mean 5.33 y), old (mean 11.25 y), and aged (mean 16.83 y) male marmosets. We observed a significantly reduced arborization in astrocytes of aged marmosets compared to younger animals in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. These astrocytes also show oxidative damage to RNA and increased nuclear plaques in the cortex and tau hyperphosphorylation (AT100). Astrocytes lacking S100A10 protein show a more severe atrophy and DNA fragmentation. Our results demonstrate the presence of atrophic astrocytes in the brains of aged marmosets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan D Rodríguez-Callejas
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Department of Pharmacology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eberhard Fuchs
- German Primate Center, Leibniz-Institute of Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Perez-Cruz
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Department of Pharmacology, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rodríguez JJ, Terzieva S, Yeh CY, Gardenal E, Zallo F, Verkhratsky A, Busquets X. Neuroanatomical and morphometric study of S100β positive astrocytes in the entorhinal cortex during ageing in the 3xTg-Alzehimer's disease mouse model. Neurosci Lett 2023; 802:137167. [PMID: 36894021 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we report the neuroanatomical and morphometric analysis of astrocytes in the entorhinal cortex (EC) of the aged wild type (WT) and triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) mouse model of AD. Using 3D confocal microscopy, we determined the surface area and volume of positive astrocytic profiles in male mice (WT and 3xTg-AD) from 1 to 18 months of age. We showed that S100β-positive astrocytes were equally distributed throughout the entire EC in both animal types and showed no changes in Nv (number of cells/mm3) nor in their distribution at the different ages studied. These positive astrocytes, demonstrated an age-dependent gradual increase in their surface area and in their volume starting at 3 months of age, in both WT and 3xTg-AD mice. This last group demonstrated a large increase in both surface area and volume at 18 months of age when the burden of pathological hallmarks of AD is present (69.74% to 76.73% in the surface area and the volume, for WT and 3xTg-AD mice respectively). We observed that these changes were due to the enlargement of the cell processes and to less extend the somata. In fact, the volume of the cell body was increased by 35.82% in 18-month-old 3xTg-AD compared to WT. On the other hand, the increase on the astrocytic processes were detected as soon as 9 months of age where we found an increase of surface area and volume (36.56% and 43.73%, respectively) sustained till 18 month of age (93.6% and 113.78%, respectively) when compared age-matched non-Tg mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that these hypertrophic S100β-positive astrocytes were mainly associated with Aβ plaques. Our results show a severe atrophy in GFAP cytoskeleton in all cognitive areas; whilst within the EC astrocytes independent to this atrophy show no changes in GS and S100β; which can play a key role in the memory impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J J Rodríguez
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Functional Neuroanatomy Group, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barakaldo, Spain.
| | - S Terzieva
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Functional Neuroanatomy Group, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barakaldo, Spain
| | - C Y Yeh
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Functional Neuroanatomy Group, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barakaldo, Spain
| | - E Gardenal
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Functional Neuroanatomy Group, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barakaldo, Spain
| | - F Zallo
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Functional Neuroanatomy Group, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barakaldo, Spain
| | - A Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - X Busquets
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nanotopography and Microconfinement Impact on Primary Hippocampal Astrocyte Morphology, Cytoskeleton and Spontaneous Calcium Wave Signalling. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020293. [PMID: 36672231 PMCID: PMC9856934 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes' organisation affects the functioning and the fine morphology of the brain, both in physiological and pathological contexts. Although many aspects of their role have been characterised, their complex functions remain, to a certain extent, unclear with respect to their contribution to brain cell communication. Here, we studied the effects of nanotopography and microconfinement on primary hippocampal rat astrocytes. For this purpose, we fabricated nanostructured zirconia surfaces as homogenous substrates and as micrometric patterns, the latter produced by a combination of an additive nanofabrication and micropatterning technique. These engineered substrates reproduce both nanotopographical features and microscale geometries that astrocytes encounter in their natural environment, such as basement membrane topography, as well as blood vessels and axonal fibre topology. The impact of restrictive adhesion manifests in the modulation of several cellular properties of single cells (morphological and actin cytoskeletal changes) and the network organisation and functioning. Calcium wave signalling was observed only in astrocytes grown in confined geometries, with an activity enhancement in cells forming elongated agglomerates with dimensions typical of blood vessels or axon fibres. Our results suggest that calcium oscillation and wave propagation are closely related to astrocytic morphology and actin cytoskeleton organisation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Lutomska LM, Miok V, Krahmer N, González García I, Gruber T, Le Thuc O, Murat CD, Legutko B, Sterr M, Saher G, Lickert H, Müller TD, Ussar S, Tschöp MH, Lutter D, García-Cáceres C. Diet triggers specific responses of hypothalamic astrocytes in time and region dependent manner. Glia 2022; 70:2062-2078. [PMID: 35802021 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic astrocytes are particularly affected by energy-dense food consumption. How the anatomical location of these glial cells and their spatial molecular distribution in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) determine the cellular response to a high caloric diet remains unclear. In this study, we investigated their distinctive molecular responses following exposure to a high-fat high-sugar (HFHS) diet, specifically in the ARC. Using RNA sequencing and proteomics, we showed that astrocytes have a distinct transcriptomic and proteomic profile dependent on their anatomical location, with a major proteomic reprogramming in hypothalamic astrocytes. By ARC single-cell sequencing, we observed that a HFHS diet dictates time- and cell- specific transcriptomic responses, revealing that astrocytes have the most distinct regulatory pattern compared to other cell types. Lastly, we topographically and molecularly characterized astrocytes expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein and/or aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member L1 in the ARC, of which the abundance was significantly increased, as well as the alteration in their spatial and molecular profiles, with a HFHS diet. Together, our results provide a detailed multi-omics view on the spatial and temporal changes of astrocytes particularly in the ARC during different time points of adaptation to a high calorie diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Maria Lutomska
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Viktorian Miok
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Natalie Krahmer
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ismael González García
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tim Gruber
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ophélia Le Thuc
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Cahuê Db Murat
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Beata Legutko
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Sterr
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Gesine Saher
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Heiko Lickert
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Timo D Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Eberhard Karls University Hospitals and Clinics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Siegfried Ussar
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,RG Adipocytes and Metabolism, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Matthias H Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Lutter
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Cristina García-Cáceres
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
A closer look at astrocyte morphology: Development, heterogeneity, and plasticity at astrocyte leaflets. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 74:102550. [PMID: 35544965 PMCID: PMC9376008 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes represent an abundant type of glial cell involved in nearly every aspect of central nervous system (CNS) function, including synapse formation and maturation, ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, blood-brain barrier maintenance, as well as neuronal metabolic support. These various functions are enabled by the morphological complexity that astrocytes adopt. Recent experimental advances in genetic and viral labeling, lineage tracing, and live- and ultrastructural imaging of miniscule astrocytic sub-compartments reveal a complex morphological heterogeneity that is based on the origin, local function, and environmental context in which astrocytes reside. In this minireview, we highlight recent findings that reveal the plastic nature of astrocytes in the healthy brain, particularly at the synapse, and emerging technologies that have advanced our understanding of these morphologically complex cells.
Collapse
|
13
|
Winkelman MA, Kim DY, Kakarla S, Grath A, Silvia N, Dai G. Interstitial flow enhances the formation, connectivity, and function of 3D brain microvascular networks generated within a microfluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 22:170-192. [PMID: 34881385 PMCID: PMC9257897 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00605c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The bulk flow of interstitial fluid through tissue is an important factor in human biology, including the development of brain microvascular networks (MVNs) with the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Bioengineering perfused, functional brain MVNs has great potential for modeling neurovascular diseases and drug delivery. However, most in vitro models of brain MVNs do not implement interstitial flow during the generation of microvessels. Using a microfluidic device (MFD), we cultured primary human brain endothelial cells (BECs), pericytes, and astrocytes within a 3D fibrin matrix with (flow) and without (static) interstitial flow. We found that the bulk flow of interstitial fluid was beneficial for both BEC angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Brain MVNs cultured under flow conditions achieved anastomosis and were perfusable, whereas those under static conditions lacked connectivity and the ability to be perfused. Compared to static culture, microvessels developed in flow culture exhibited an enhanced vessel area, branch length and diameter, connectivity, and longevity. Although there was no change in pericyte coverage of microvessels, a slight increase in astrocyte coverage was observed under flow conditions. In addition, the immunofluorescence intensity of basal lamina proteins, collagen IV and laminin, was nearly doubled in flow culture. Lastly, the barrier function of brain microvessels was enhanced under flow conditions, as demonstrated by decreased dextran permeability. Taken together, these results highlighted the importance of interstitial flow in the in vitro generation of perfused brain MVNs with characteristics similar to those of the human BBB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max A Winkelman
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 805 Columbus Ave, ISEC 224, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Diana Y Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 805 Columbus Ave, ISEC 224, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Shravani Kakarla
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 805 Columbus Ave, ISEC 224, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Alexander Grath
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 805 Columbus Ave, ISEC 224, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Nathaniel Silvia
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 805 Columbus Ave, ISEC 224, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Guohao Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, 805 Columbus Ave, ISEC 224, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Roman C, Vivi E, Di Benedetto B. Morphological Features of Astrocytes in Health and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:75-92. [PMID: 34888831 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Astroglial cells actively partner with several cell types to regulate the arrangement of neuronal circuits both in the developing and adult brain. Morphological features of astroglial cells strongly impact their functional interactions, thereby supporting the hypothesis that aberrancies in glial morphology may trigger the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, understanding the factors which modulate astroglial shapes and the development of tools to examine them may help to gain valuable insights about the role of astroglia in physiological and pathological brain states.Here, we present a collection of representative review and original articles describing the major morphological features which define different subtypes of glial cells and emphasize a high degree of heterogeneity typical of these cell types, besides neurons. Furthermore, we offer an overview about first in vitro and in vivo evidences, which highlight an altered morphology of glial cells in brains of psychiatric patients and animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Roman
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Eugenia Vivi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Di Benedetto
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. .,Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yuan M, Wu H. Astrocytes in the Traumatic Brain Injury: the Good and the Bad. Exp Neurol 2021; 348:113943. [PMID: 34863998 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes control many processes of the nervous system in health and disease, and respond to injury quickly. Astrocytes produce neuroprotective factors in the injured brain to clear cellular debris and to orchestrate neurorestorative processes that are beneficial for neurological recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, astrocytes also become dysregulated and produce cytotoxic mediators that hinder CNS repair by induction of neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Hence, we discuss the potential role of astrocytes in neuropathological processes such as neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and blood-brain barrier repair after TBI. Thus, an improved understanding of the dual role of astrocytes may advance our knowledge of post-brain injury recovery, and provide opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), 102206 Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gradišnik L, Bošnjak R, Bunc G, Ravnik J, Maver T, Velnar T. Neurosurgical Approaches to Brain Tissue Harvesting for the Establishment of Cell Cultures in Neural Experimental Cell Models. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:6857. [PMID: 34832259 PMCID: PMC8624371 DOI: 10.3390/ma14226857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, cell biology has made rapid progress. Cell isolation and cultivation techniques, supported by modern laboratory procedures and experimental capabilities, provide a wide range of opportunities for in vitro research to study physiological and pathophysiological processes in health and disease. They can also be used very efficiently for the analysis of biomaterials. Before a new biomaterial is ready for implantation into tissues and widespread use in clinical practice, it must be extensively tested. Experimental cell models, which are a suitable testing ground and the first line of empirical exploration of new biomaterials, must contain suitable cells that form the basis of biomaterial testing. To isolate a stable and suitable cell culture, many steps are required. The first and one of the most important steps is the collection of donor tissue, usually during a surgical procedure. Thus, the collection is the foundation for the success of cell isolation. This article explains the sources and neurosurgical procedures for obtaining brain tissue samples for cell isolation techniques, which are essential for biomaterial testing procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Gradišnik
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Maribor, Taborska 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Alma Mater Europaea ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Roman Bošnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gorazd Bunc
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (G.B.); (J.R.)
| | - Janez Ravnik
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (G.B.); (J.R.)
| | - Tina Maver
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Maribor, Taborska 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Velnar
- Alma Mater Europaea ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang X, Alnafisah RS, Hamoud ARA, Shukla R, Wen Z, McCullumsmith RE, O'Donovan SM. Role of Astrocytes in Major Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2715-2730. [PMID: 33411227 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the primary homeostatic cells of the central nervous system, essential for normal neuronal development and function, metabolism and response to injury and inflammation. Here, we review postmortem studies examining changes in astrocytes in subjects diagnosed with the neuropsychiatric disorders schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder (BPD). We discuss the astrocyte-related changes described in the brain in these disorders and the potential effects of psychotropic medication on these findings. Finally, we describe emerging tools that can be used to study the role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Rawan S Alnafisah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Abdul-Rizaq A Hamoud
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Rammohan Shukla
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert E McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.,Neurosciences Institute, ProMedica, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Sinead M O'Donovan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Block Health Science Building, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wu J, Yu H, Huang H, Shu P, Peng X. Functions of noncoding RNAs in glial development. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:877-891. [PMID: 34402590 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Glia are widely distributed in the central nervous system and are closely related to cell metabolism, signal transduction, support, cell migration, and other nervous system development processes and functions. Glial development is complex and essential, including the processes of proliferation, differentiation, and migration, and requires precise regulatory networks. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) can be deeply involved in glial development through gene regulation. Here, we review the regulatory roles of ncRNAs in glial development. We briefly describe the classification and functions of noncoding RNAs and focus on microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), which have been reported to participate extensively during glial formation. The highlight of this summary is that miRNAs and lncRNAs can participate in and regulate the signaling pathways of glial development. The review not only describes how noncoding RNAs participate in nervous system development but also explains the processes of glial development, providing a foundation for subsequent studies on glial development and new insights into the pathogeneses of related neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Primate Research Center, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haoyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Primate Research Center, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Primate Research Center, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Primate Research Center, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gradišnik L, Bošnjak R, Maver T, Velnar T. Advanced Bio-Based Polymers for Astrocyte Cell Models. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:3664. [PMID: 34209194 PMCID: PMC8269866 DOI: 10.3390/ma14133664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The development of in vitro neural tissue analogs is of great interest for many biomedical engineering applications, including the tissue engineering of neural interfaces, treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and in vitro evaluation of cell-material interactions. Since astrocytes play a crucial role in the regenerative processes of the central nervous system, the development of biomaterials that interact favorably with astrocytes is of great research interest. The sources of human astrocytes, suitable natural biomaterials, guidance scaffolds, and ligand patterned surfaces are discussed in the article. New findings in this field are essential for the future treatment of spinal cord and brain injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Gradišnik
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- AMEU-ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Roman Bošnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Tina Maver
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Velnar
- AMEU-ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chico TJA, Kugler EC. Cerebrovascular development: mechanisms and experimental approaches. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4377-4398. [PMID: 33688979 PMCID: PMC8164590 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cerebral vasculature plays a central role in human health and disease and possesses several unique anatomic, functional and molecular characteristics. Despite their importance, the mechanisms that determine cerebrovascular development are less well studied than other vascular territories. This is in part due to limitations of existing models and techniques for visualisation and manipulation of the cerebral vasculature. In this review we summarise the experimental approaches used to study the cerebral vessels and the mechanisms that contribute to their development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J A Chico
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.
- The Bateson Centre, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
- Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
| | - Elisabeth C Kugler
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.
- The Bateson Centre, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
- Insigneo Institute for in Silico Medicine, The Pam Liversidge Building, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Su X, Vasilkovska T, Fröhlich N, Garaschuk O. Characterization of cell type-specific S100B expression in the mouse olfactory bulb. Cell Calcium 2021; 94:102334. [PMID: 33460952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2020.102334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
S100B is an EF-hand type Ca2+-binding protein of the S100 family, known to support neurogenesis and to promote the interactions between brain's nervous and immune systems. Here, we characterized the expression of S100B in the mouse olfactory bulb, a neurogenic niche comprising mature and adult-born neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. Besides astrocytes, for which S100B is a classical marker, S100B was also expressed in NG2 cells and, surprisingly, in APC-positive myelinating oligodendrocytes but not in mature/adult-born neurons or microglia. Various layers of the bulb differed substantially in the composition of S100B-positive cells, with the highest fraction of the APC-positive oligodendrocytes found in the granule cell layer. Across all layers, ∼50 % of NG2 cells were S100B-negative. Finally, our data revealed a strong correlation between the fraction of myelinating oligodendrocytes among the S100B-positive cells and the oligodendrocyte density in different brain areas, underscoring the importance of S100B for the establishment and maintenance of myelin sheaths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Su
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tamara Vasilkovska
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicole Fröhlich
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olga Garaschuk
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kaul D, Schwab SG, Mechawar N, Matosin N. How stress physically re-shapes the brain: Impact on brain cell shapes, numbers and connections in psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:193-215. [PMID: 33556389 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Severe stress is among the most robust risk factors for the development of psychiatric disorders. Imaging studies indicate that life stress is integral to shaping the human brain, especially regions involved in processing the stress response. Although this is likely underpinned by changes to the cytoarchitecture of cellular networks in the brain, we are yet to clearly understand how these define a role for stress in human psychopathology. In this review, we consolidate evidence of macro-structural morphometric changes and the cellular mechanisms that likely underlie them. Focusing on stress-sensitive regions of the brain, we illustrate how stress throughout life may lead to persistent remodelling of the both neurons and glia in cellular networks and how these may lead to psychopathology. We support that greater translation of cellular alterations to human cohorts will support parsing the psychological sequalae of severe stress and improve our understanding of how stress shapes the human brain. This will remain a critical step for improving treatment interventions and prevention outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Kaul
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Sibylle G Schwab
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 LaSalle blvd, Verdun, Qc, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Natalie Matosin
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia; Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Melzer L, Freiman TM, Derouiche A. Rab6A as a Pan-Astrocytic Marker in Mouse and Human Brain, and Comparison with Other Glial Markers (GFAP, GS, Aldh1L1, SOX9). Cells 2021; 10:E72. [PMID: 33466322 PMCID: PMC7824777 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to many higher brain functions. A key mechanism in glia-to-neuron signalling is vesicular exocytosis; however, the identity of exocytosis organelles remains a matter of debate. Since vesicles derived from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) are not considered in this context, we studied the astrocyte TGN by immunocytochemistry applying anti-Rab6A. In mouse brain, Rab6A immunostaining is found to be unexpectedly massive, diffuse in all regions, and is detected preferentially and abundantly in the peripheral astrocyte processes, which is hardly evident without glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) co-staining. All cells positive for the astrocytic markers glutamine synthetase (GS), GFAP, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member L1 (Aldh1L1), or SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9) were Rab6A+. Rab6A is excluded from microglia, oligodendrocytes, and NG2 cells using cell type-specific markers. In human cortex, Rab6A labelling is very similar and associated with GFAP+ astrocytes. The mouse data also confirm the specific astrocytic labelling by Aldh1L1 or SOX9; the astrocyte-specific labelling by GS sometimes debated is replicated again. In mouse and human brain, individual astrocytes display high variability in Rab6A+ structures, suggesting dynamic regulation of the glial TGN. In summary, Rab6A expression is an additional, global descriptor of astrocyte identity. Rab6A might constitute an organelle system with a potential role of Rab6A in neuropathological and physiological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Melzer
- Institute of Anatomy II, Goethe-University, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Thomas M. Freiman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18055 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Amin Derouiche
- Institute of Anatomy II, Goethe-University, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Neuronal Ablation of Alpha/Beta Interferon (IFN-α/β) Signaling Exacerbates Central Nervous System Viral Dissemination and Impairs IFN-γ Responsiveness in Microglia/Macrophages. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00422-20. [PMID: 32796063 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00422-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) signaling through the IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) is essential to limit virus dissemination throughout the central nervous system (CNS) following many neurotropic virus infections. However, the distinct expression patterns of factors associated with the IFN-α/β pathway in different CNS resident cell populations implicate complex cooperative pathways in IFN-α/β induction and responsiveness. Here we show that mice devoid of IFNAR1 signaling in calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) expressing neurons (CaMKIIcre:IFNARfl/fl mice) infected with a mildly pathogenic neurotropic coronavirus (mouse hepatitis virus A59 strain [MHV-A59]) developed severe encephalomyelitis with hind-limb paralysis and succumbed within 7 days. Increased virus spread in CaMKIIcre:IFNARfl/fl mice compared to IFNARfl/fl mice affected neurons not only in the forebrain but also in the mid-hind brain and spinal cords but excluded the cerebellum. Infection was also increased in glia. The lack of viral control in CaMKIIcre:IFNARfl/fl relative to control mice coincided with sustained Cxcl1 and Ccl2 mRNAs but a decrease in mRNA levels of IFNα/β pathway genes as well as Il6, Tnf, and Il1β between days 4 and 6 postinfection (p.i.). T cell accumulation and IFN-γ production, an essential component of virus control, were not altered. However, IFN-γ responsiveness was impaired in microglia/macrophages irrespective of similar pSTAT1 nuclear translocation as in infected controls. The results reveal how perturbation of IFN-α/β signaling in neurons can worsen disease course and disrupt complex interactions between the IFN-α/β and IFN-γ pathways in achieving optimal antiviral responses.IMPORTANCE IFN-α/β induction limits CNS viral spread by establishing an antiviral state, but also promotes blood brain barrier integrity, adaptive immunity, and activation of microglia/macrophages. However, the extent to which glial or neuronal signaling contributes to these diverse IFN-α/β functions is poorly understood. Using a neurotropic mouse hepatitis virus encephalomyelitis model, this study demonstrated an essential role of IFN-α/β receptor 1 (IFNAR1) specifically in neurons to control virus spread, regulate IFN-γ signaling, and prevent acute mortality. The results support the notion that effective neuronal IFNAR1 signaling compensates for their low basal expression of genes in the IFN-α/β pathway compared to glia. The data further highlight the importance of tightly regulated communication between the IFN-α/β and IFN-γ signaling pathways to optimize antiviral IFN-γ activity.
Collapse
|
25
|
Werkman IL, Lentferink DH, Baron W. Macroglial diversity: white and grey areas and relevance to remyelination. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:143-171. [PMID: 32648004 PMCID: PMC7867526 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03586-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Macroglia, comprising astrocytes and oligodendroglial lineage cells, have long been regarded as uniform cell types of the central nervous system (CNS). Although regional morphological differences between these cell types were initially described after their identification a century ago, these differences were largely ignored. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that macroglial cells form distinct populations throughout the CNS, based on both functional and morphological features. Moreover, with the use of refined techniques including single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, additional evidence is emerging for regional macroglial heterogeneity at the transcriptional level. In parallel, several studies revealed the existence of regional differences in remyelination capacity between CNS grey and white matter areas, both in experimental models for successful remyelination as well as in the chronic demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). In this review, we provide an overview of the diversity in oligodendroglial lineage cells and astrocytes from the grey and white matter, as well as their interplay in health and upon demyelination and successful remyelination. In addition, we discuss the implications of regional macroglial diversity for remyelination in light of its failure in MS. Since the etiology of MS remains unknown and only disease-modifying treatments altering the immune response are available for MS, the elucidation of macroglial diversity in grey and white matter and its putative contribution to the observed difference in remyelination efficiency between these regions may open therapeutic avenues aimed at enhancing endogenous remyelination in either area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inge L Werkman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Dennis H Lentferink
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wia Baron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Salas IH, Burgado J, Allen NJ. Glia: victims or villains of the aging brain? Neurobiol Dis 2020; 143:105008. [PMID: 32622920 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the strongest risk factor for metabolic, vascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Aging alone is associated with a gradual decline of cognitive and motor functions. Considering an increasing elderly population in the last century, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to brain aging is of vital importance. Recent genetic and transcriptomic findings strongly suggest that glia are the first cells changing with aging. Glial cells constitute around 50% of the total cells in the brain and play key roles regulating brain homeostasis in health and disease. Their essential functions include providing nutritional support to neurons, activation of immune responses, and regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity. In this review we discuss how glia are altered in the aging brain and whether these alterations are protective or contribute to the age-related pathological cascade. We focus on the major morphological, transcriptional and functional changes affecting glia in a range of systems, including human, non-human primates, and rodents. We also highlight future directions for investigating the roles of glia in brain aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel H Salas
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jillybeth Burgado
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nicola J Allen
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Potokar M, Morita M, Wiche G, Jorgačevski J. The Diversity of Intermediate Filaments in Astrocytes. Cells 2020; 9:E1604. [PMID: 32630739 PMCID: PMC7408014 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the remarkable complexity of the individual neuron and of neuronal circuits, it has been clear for quite a while that, in order to understand the functioning of the brain, the contribution of other cell types in the brain have to be accounted for. Among glial cells, astrocytes have multiple roles in orchestrating neuronal functions. Their communication with neurons by exchanging signaling molecules and removing molecules from extracellular space takes place at several levels and is governed by different cellular processes, supported by multiple cellular structures, including the cytoskeleton. Intermediate filaments in astrocytes are emerging as important integrators of cellular processes. Astrocytes express five types of intermediate filaments: glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP); vimentin; nestin; synemin; lamins. Variability, interactions with different cellular structures and the particular roles of individual intermediate filaments in astrocytes have been studied extensively in the case of GFAP and vimentin, but far less attention has been given to nestin, synemin and lamins. Similarly, the interplay between different types of cytoskeleton and the interaction between the cytoskeleton and membranous structures, which is mediated by cytolinker proteins, are understudied in astrocytes. The present review summarizes the basic properties of astrocytic intermediate filaments and of other cytoskeletal macromolecules, such as cytolinker proteins, and describes the current knowledge of their roles in normal physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja Potokar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology – Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Mitsuhiro Morita
- Department of Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Kobe 657-8501, Japan;
| | - Gerhard Wiche
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jernej Jorgačevski
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology – Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gradisnik L, Maver U, Bosnjak R, Velnar T. Optimised isolation and characterisation of adult human astrocytes from neurotrauma patients. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 341:108796. [PMID: 32450111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes are the main cellular constituent in the central nervous system. Astrocyte cultures from rodent brains are most commonly used in the experimental practice. However, important differences between rodent and human astrocytes exist. The aim of this study was to develop an improved protocol for routine preparation of primary astrocyte culture from adult human brain, obtained after trauma. NEW METHOD Tissue obtained during neurotrauma operation was mechanically decomposed and centrifuged. The cell sediment was resuspended in cell culture medium, plated in T25 tissue flasks and incubated for one month at 37 °C in 5% CO2. The medium was replaced twice weekly and microglia were removed. Once confluent, the purity of cultures was assessed. The culture was characterised immunocytochemically for specific astrocytic markers (GFAP, GLAST and S100B). Cell morphology was examined through the actin cytoskeleton labelling with fluorescent phalloidin. RESULTS Under basal conditions, adult astrocytes exhibited astrocyte-specific morphology and expressed specific markers. Approximately 95% of cells were positive for the main glial markers (GFAP, GLAST, S100B). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD We established an easy and cost-effective method for a highly enriched primary astrocyte culture from adult human brain. CONCLUSION The isolation technique provides sufficient quantities of isolated cells. The culture obtained in this study exhibits the biochemical and physiological properties of astrocytes. It may be useful for elucidating the mechanisms related to the adult brain, exploring changes between neonatal and adult astrocytes, novel therapeutic targets, cell therapy experiments, as well as investigating compounds involved in cytotoxicity and cytoprotection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Gradisnik
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Taborska 8, 2000Maribor, Slovenia; AMEU-ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Uros Maver
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Taborska 8, 2000Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Roman Bosnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaz Velnar
- AMEU-ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia; Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Trindade P, Loiola EC, Gasparotto J, Ribeiro CT, Cardozo PL, Devalle S, Salerno JA, Ornelas IM, Ledur PF, Ribeiro FM, Ventura ALM, Moreira JCF, Gelain DP, Porciúncula LO, Rehen SK. Short and long TNF‐alpha exposure recapitulates canonical astrogliosis events in human‐induced pluripotent stem cells‐derived astrocytes. Glia 2020; 68:1396-1409. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.23786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Trindade
- Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Pós‐Graduação em Biologia Molecular e CelularUniversidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | | | - Juciano Gasparotto
- Departamento de BioquímicaInstituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Camila Tiefensee Ribeiro
- Departamento de BioquímicaInstituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Pablo Leal Cardozo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e ImunologiaUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte Brazil
| | - Sylvie Devalle
- Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Fabiola Mara Ribeiro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e ImunologiaUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte Brazil
| | | | - José Claudio Fonseca Moreira
- Departamento de BioquímicaInstituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Daniel Pens Gelain
- Departamento de BioquímicaInstituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Lisiane Oliveira Porciúncula
- Departamento de BioquímicaInstituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Stevens Kastrup Rehen
- Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências BiomédicasUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Machado-Santos AR, Alves ND, Araújo B, Correia JS, Patrício P, Mateus-Pinheiro A, Loureiro-Campos E, Bessa JM, Sousa N, Pinto L. Astrocytic plasticity at the dorsal dentate gyrus on an animal model of recurrent depression. Neuroscience 2019; 454:94-104. [PMID: 31747562 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are now known to play crucial roles in the central nervous system, supporting and closely interacting with neurons and therefore able to modulate brain function. Both human postmortem studies in brain samples from patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and from animal models of depression reported numerical and morphological astrocytic changes specifically in the hippocampus. In particular, these studies revealed significant reductions in glial cell density denoted by a decreased number of S100B-positive cells and a decrease in GFAP expression in several brain regions including the hippocampus. To reveal plastic astrocytic changes in the context of recurrent depression, we longitudinally assessed dynamic astrocytic alterations (gene expression, cell densities and morphologic variations) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus under repeated exposure to unpredictable chronic mild stress (uCMS) and upon treatment with two antidepressants, fluoxetine and imipramine. Both antidepressants decreased astrocytic complexity immediately after stress exposure. Moreover, we show that astrocytic alterations, particularly an increased number of S100B-positive cells, are observed after recurrent stress exposure. Interestingly, these alterations were prevented at the long-term by either fluoxetine or imipramine treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Machado-Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Nuno D Alves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Bruna Araújo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Joana S Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Patrício
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - António Mateus-Pinheiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Eduardo Loureiro-Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - João M Bessa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Michael AV, Greenlee JJ, Harm TA, Moore SJ, Zhang M, Lind MS, Greenlee MHW, Smith JD. In Situ Temporospatial Characterization of the Glial Response to Prion Infection. Vet Pathol 2019; 57:90-107. [PMID: 31331254 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819861708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) display marked activation of astrocytes and microglia that precedes neuronal loss. Investigation of clinical parallels between TSEs and other neurodegenerative protein misfolding diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, has revealed similar patterns of neuroinflammatory responses to the accumulation of self-propagating amyloids. The contribution of glial activation to the progression of protein misfolding diseases is incompletely understood, with evidence for mediation of both protective and deleterious effects. Glial populations are heterogeneously distributed throughout the brain and capable of dynamic transitions along a spectrum of functional activation states between pro- and antiinflammatory polarization extremes. Using a murine model of Rocky Mountain Laboratory scrapie, the neuroinflammatory response to prion infection was characterized by evaluating glial activation across 15 brain regions over time and correlating it to traditional markers of prion neuropathology, including vacuolation and PrPSc deposition. Quantitative immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate glial expression of iNOS and Arg1, markers of classical and alternative glial activation, respectively. The results indicate progressive upregulation of iNOS in microglia and a mixed astrocytic profile featuring iNOS expression in white matter tracts and detection of Arg1-positive populations throughout the brain. These data establish a temporospatial lesion profile for this prion infection model and demonstrate evidence of multiple glial activation states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyona V Michael
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Justin J Greenlee
- US Department of Agriculture, Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Tyler A Harm
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - S Jo Moore
- US Department of Agriculture, Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Statistics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Melissa S Lind
- US Department of Agriculture, Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, USA.,BluePearl Pet Hospital, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - M Heather West Greenlee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jodi D Smith
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Matias I, Morgado J, Gomes FCA. Astrocyte Heterogeneity: Impact to Brain Aging and Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:59. [PMID: 30941031 PMCID: PMC6433753 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, one of the largest glial cell population in the central nervous system (CNS), play a key function in several events of brain development and function, such as synapse formation and function, control of neurotransmitters release and uptake, production of trophic factors and control of neuronal survival. Initially described as a homogenous population, several evidences have pointed that astrocytes are highly heterogeneous, both morphologically and functionally, within the same region, and across different brain regions. Recent findings suggest that the heterogeneity in the expression profile of proteins involved in astrocyte function may predict the selective vulnerability of brain regions to specific diseases, as well as to the age-related cognitive decline. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes, either in aging as well as in brain disease are scarce. Neuroinflammation, a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases and aging, is reported to have a dubious impact on glial activation, as these cells release pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, anti-oxidants, free radicals, and neurotrophic factors. Despite the emerging evidences supporting that reactive astrocytes have a duality in their phenotype, neurotoxic or neuroprotective properties, depending on the age and stimuli, the underlying mechanisms of their activation, cellular interplays and the impact of regional astrocyte heterogeneity are still a matter of discussion. In this review article, we will summarize recent findings on astrocyte heterogeneity and phenotypes, as well as their likely impact for the brain function during aging and neural diseases. We will focus on the molecules and mechanisms triggered by astrocyte to control synapse formation in different brain regions. Finally, we will discuss new evidences on how the modulation of astrocyte phenotype and function could impact the synaptic deficits and glial dysfunction present in aging and pathological states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Matias
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Morgado
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flávia Carvalho Alcantara Gomes
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain and are a crucial part of solving its mysteries. Originally assumed to be passive supporting cells, astrocyte's functions are now recognized to include active modulation and information processing at the neural synapse. The full extent of the astrocyte contribution to neural processing remains unknown. This is, in part, due to the lack of methods available for astrocyte identification and analysis. Existing strategies employ genetic tools like the astrocyte specific promoters glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) or Aldh1L1 to create transgenic animals with fluorescently labeled astrocytes. Recently, small molecule targeting moieties have enabled the delivery of bright fluorescent dyes to astrocytes. Here, we review methods for targeting astrocytes, with a focus on a recently developed methylpyridinium targeting moiety's development, chemical synthesis, and elaboration to provide new features like light-based spatiotemporal control of cell labeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa N Preston
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Danielle A Cervasio
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Scott T Laughlin
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States; Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Clyburn C, Browning KN. Role of astroglia in diet-induced central neuroplasticity. J Neurophysiol 2019; 121:1195-1206. [PMID: 30699056 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00823.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity, characterized by increased adiposity that develops when energy intake outweighs expenditure, is rapidly becoming a serious health crisis that affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with severe comorbid disorders including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type II diabetes. Obesity is also associated with the dysregulation of central neurocircuits involved in the control of autonomic, metabolic, and cognitive functions. Systemic inflammation associated with diet-induced obesity (DIO) has been proposed to be responsible for the development of these comorbidities as well as the dysregulation of central neurocircuits. A growing body of evidence suggests, however, that exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) may cause neuroinflammation and astroglial activation even before systemic inflammation develops, which may be sufficient to cause dysregulation of central neurocircuits involved in energy homeostasis before the development of obesity. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current literature exploring astroglial-dependent modulation of central circuits following exposure to HFD and DIO, including not only dysregulation of neurocircuits involved in energy homeostasis and feeding behavior, but also the dysregulation of learning, memory, mood, and reward pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Clyburn
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Kirsteen N Browning
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Islam A, Kagawa Y, Miyazaki H, Shil SK, Umaru BA, Yasumoto Y, Yamamoto Y, Owada Y. FABP7 Protects Astrocytes Against ROS Toxicity via Lipid Droplet Formation. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:5763-5779. [PMID: 30680690 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) bind and internalize long-chain fatty acids, controlling lipid dynamics. Recent studies have proposed the involvement of FABPs, particularly FABP7, in lipid droplet (LD) formation in glioma, but the physiological significance of LDs is poorly understood. In this study, we sought to examine the role of FABP7 in primary mouse astrocytes, focusing on its protective effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress. In FABP7 knockout (KO) astrocytes, ROS induction significantly decreased LD accumulation, elevated ROS toxicity, and impaired thioredoxin (TRX) but not peroxiredoxin 1 (PRX1) signalling compared to ROS induction in wild-type astrocytes. Consequently, activation of apoptosis signalling molecules, including p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), and increased expression of cleaved caspase 3 were observed in FABP7 KO astrocytes under ROS stress. N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) application successfully rescued the ROS toxicity in FABP7 KO astrocytes. Furthermore, FABP7 overexpression in U87 human glioma cell line revealed higher LD accumulation and higher antioxidant defence enzyme (TRX, TRX reductase 1 [TRXRD1]) expression than mock transfection and protected against apoptosis signalling (p38 MAPK, SAPK/JNK and cleaved caspase 3) activation. Taken together, these data suggest that FABP7 protects astrocytes from ROS toxicity through LD formation, providing new insights linking FABP7, lipid homeostasis, and neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariful Islam
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi 2-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan. .,Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh.
| | - Yoshiteru Kagawa
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi 2-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Miyazaki
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi 2-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Subrata Kumar Shil
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi 2-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Banlanjo A Umaru
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi 2-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yuki Yasumoto
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi 2-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yui Yamamoto
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi 2-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, 983-8536, Japan
| | - Yuji Owada
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi 2-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kim R, Healey KL, Sepulveda-Orengo MT, Reissner KJ. Astroglial correlates of neuropsychiatric disease: From astrocytopathy to astrogliosis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 87:126-146. [PMID: 28989099 PMCID: PMC5889368 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Complex roles for astrocytes in health and disease continue to emerge, highlighting this class of cells as integral to function and dysfunction of the nervous system. In particular, escalating evidence strongly implicates a range of changes in astrocyte structure and function associated with neuropsychiatric diseases including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. These changes can range from astrocytopathy, degeneration, and loss of function, to astrogliosis and hypertrophy, and can be either adaptive or maladaptive. Evidence from the literature indicates a myriad of changes observed in astrocytes from both human postmortem studies as well as preclinical animal models, including changes in expression of glial fibrillary protein, as well as changes in astrocyte morphology and astrocyte-mediated regulation of synaptic function. In this review, we seek to provide a comprehensive assessment of these findings and consequently evidence for common themes regarding adaptations in astrocytes associated with neuropsychiatric disease. While results are mixed across conditions and models, general findings indicate decreased astrocyte cellular features and gene expression in depression, chronic stress and anxiety, but increased inflammation in schizophrenia. Changes also vary widely in response to different drugs of abuse, with evidence reflective of features of astrocytopathy to astrogliosis, varying across drug classes, route of administration and length of withdrawal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Kim
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, CB 3270, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Kati L Healey
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, CB 3270, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Marian T Sepulveda-Orengo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, CB 3270, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Kathryn J Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, CB 3270, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States..
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Schiweck J, Eickholt BJ, Murk K. Important Shapeshifter: Mechanisms Allowing Astrocytes to Respond to the Changing Nervous System During Development, Injury and Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:261. [PMID: 30186118 PMCID: PMC6111612 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most prevalent glial cells in the brain. Historically considered as “merely supporting” neurons, recent research has shown that astrocytes actively participate in a large variety of central nervous system (CNS) functions including synaptogenesis, neuronal transmission and synaptic plasticity. During disease and injury, astrocytes efficiently protect neurons by various means, notably by sealing them off from neurotoxic factors and repairing the blood-brain barrier. Their ramified morphology allows them to perform diverse tasks by interacting with synapses, blood vessels and other glial cells. In this review article, we provide an overview of how astrocytes acquire their complex morphology during development. We then move from the developing to the mature brain, and review current research on perisynaptic astrocytic processes, with a particular focus on how astrocytes engage synapses and modulate their formation and activity. Comprehensive changes have been reported in astrocyte cell shape in many CNS pathologies. Factors influencing these morphological changes are summarized in the context of brain pathologies, such as traumatic injury and degenerative conditions. We provide insight into the molecular, cellular and cytoskeletal machinery behind these shape changes which drive the dynamic remodeling in astrocyte morphology during injury and the development of pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Schiweck
- Institute for Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Britta J Eickholt
- Institute for Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Murk
- Institute for Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Xu J. New Insights into GFAP Negative Astrocytes in Calbindin D28k Immunoreactive Astrocytes. Brain Sci 2018; 8:E143. [PMID: 30081456 PMCID: PMC6119979 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8080143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is commonly used as a specific marker for the identification of astrocytes. Nevertheless, it is known from the literature that astrocytes in situ in contrast to cultured astrocytes may feature lower levels of GFAP. In order to characterize the properties of GFAP in Calbindin D28k immunoreactive astrocytes, we use primary astrocyte cultures from cells of new-born mice. A double fluorescence immunocytochemical analysis reveals that GFAP in cultured Calbindin D28k astrocytes behaves differently depending on whether the medium contains foetal bovine serum (FBS) or not. The novelty in our study is, however, that a high percentage of Calbindin D28k cultured astrocytes in a medium with 10% FBS are GFAP negative. In addition, the study shows that Calbindin D28k astrocytes have (i) a different morphology and (ii) a higher concentration of Calbindin D28k in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm. The study provides new evidence that in order to fully understand the characteristics of astrocytes, astrocytes which are Calbindin D28k positive have to be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Department of Cellular Physiology (in Biomedical Centre Munich-BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
- Wicker Clinic, 61348 Bad Homburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Astrocytes are involved in many diseases of the central nervous system, not only as reactive cells to neuronal damage but also as primary actors in the pathological process. Astrogliopathy is a term used to designate the involvement of astrocytes as key elements in the pathogenesis and pathology of diseases and injuries of the central nervous system. Astrocytopathy is utilized to name non-reactive astrogliosis covering hypertrophy, atrophy and astroglial degeneration with loss of function in astrocytes and pathological remodeling, as well as senescent changes. Astrogliopathy and astrocytopathy are hallmarks of tauopathies—neurodegenerative diseases with abnormal hyper-phosphorylated tau aggregates in neurons and glial cells. The involvement of astrocytes covers different disease-specific types such as tufted astrocytes, astrocytic plaques, thorn-shaped astrocytes, granular/fuzzy astrocytes, ramified astrocytes and astrocytes with globular inclusions, as well as others which are unnamed but not uncommon in familial frontotemporal degeneration linked to mutations in the tau gene. Knowledge of molecular differences among tau-containing astrocytes is only beginning, and their distinct functional implications remain rather poorly understood. However, tau-containing astrocytes in certain conditions have deleterious effects on neuronal function and nervous system integrity. Moreover, recent studies have shown that tau-containing astrocytes obtained from human brain tauopathies have a capacity for abnormal tau seeding and spreading in wild type mice. Inclusive conceptions include a complex scenario involving neurons, glial cells and local environmental factors that potentiate each other and promote disease progression in tauopathies.
Collapse
|
40
|
Hackett AR, Yahn SL, Lyapichev K, Dajnoki A, Lee DH, Rodriguez M, Cammer N, Pak J, Mehta ST, Bodamer O, Lemmon VP, Lee JK. Injury type-dependent differentiation of NG2 glia into heterogeneous astrocytes. Exp Neurol 2018; 308:72-79. [PMID: 30008424 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The glial scar is comprised of a heterogeneous population of reactive astrocytes. NG2 glial cells (also known as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells or polydendrocytes) may contribute to this heterogeneity by differentiating into astrocytes in the injured CNS, but there have been conflicting reports about whether astrocytes comprise a significant portion of the NG2 cell lineage. By using genetic fate mapping after spinal cord injury (SCI) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice, the goal of this study was to confirm and extend upon previous findings, which have shown that NG2 cell plasticity varies across CNS injuries. We generated mice that express tdTomato in NG2 lineage cells and express GFP under the Aldh1l1 or Glt1 promoter so that NG2 glia-derived astrocytes can be detected by their expression of GFAP and/or GFP. We found that astrocytes comprise approximately 25% of the total NG2 cell lineage in the glial scar by 4 weeks after mid-thoracic contusive SCI, but only 9% by the peak of functional deficit after EAE. Interestingly, a subpopulation of astrocytes expressed only GFP without co-expression of GFAP, uncovering their heterogeneity and the possibility of an underestimation of NG2 glia-derived astrocytes in previous studies. Additionally, we used high performance liquid chromatography to measure the level of tamoxifen and its metabolites in the spinal cord and show that genetic labeling of NG2 glia-derived astrocytes is not an artifact of residual tamoxifen. Overall, our data demonstrate that a heterogeneous population of astrocytes are derived from NG2 glia in an injury type-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber R Hackett
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Stephanie L Yahn
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Kirill Lyapichev
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Angela Dajnoki
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Do-Hun Lee
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Mario Rodriguez
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Natasha Cammer
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Ji Pak
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Saloni T Mehta
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Olaf Bodamer
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States; Division of Genetics ad Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical Scool, United States
| | - Vance P Lemmon
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Jae K Lee
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Alpha/Beta Interferon (IFN-α/β) Signaling in Astrocytes Mediates Protection against Viral Encephalomyelitis and Regulates IFN-γ-Dependent Responses. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.01901-17. [PMID: 29491163 PMCID: PMC5923078 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01901-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of distinct central nervous system (CNS) resident cells to protective alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) function following viral infections is poorly understood. Based on numerous immune regulatory functions of astrocytes, we evaluated the contribution of astrocyte IFN-α/β signaling toward protection against the nonlethal glia- and neuronotropic mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) strain A59. Analysis of gene expression associated with IFN-α/β function, e.g., pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), revealed lower basal mRNA levels in brain-derived astrocytes than in microglia. Although astrocytes poorly induced Ifnβ mRNA following infection, they upregulated various mRNAs in the IFN-α/β pathway to a higher extent than microglia, supporting effective IFN-α/β responsiveness. Ablation of the IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) in astrocytes using mGFAPcre IFNARfl/fl mice resulted in severe encephalomyelitis and mortality, coincident with uncontrolled virus replication. Further, virus spread was not restricted to astrocytes but also affected microglia and neurons, despite increased and sustained Ifnα/β and ISG mRNA levels within the CNS. IFN-γ, a crucial mediator for MHV control, was not impaired in infected mGFAPcre IFNARfl/fl mice despite reduced T cell CNS infiltration. Unexpectedly however, poor induction of IFN-γ-dependent major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression on microglia supported that defective IFN-γ signaling contributes to uncontrolled virus replication. A link between sustained elevated IFN-α/β and impaired responsiveness to IFN-γ supports the novel concept that temporally limited early IFN-α/β responses are critical for effective antiviral IFN-γ function. Overall, our results imply that IFN-α/β signaling in astrocytes is not only critical in limiting early CNS viral spread but also promotes protective antiviral IFN-γ function.IMPORTANCE An antiviral state established by IFN-α/β contains initial viral spread as adaptive immunity develops. While it is apparent that the CNS lacks professional IFN-α/β producers and that resident cells have distinct abilities to elicit innate IFN-α/β responses, protective interactions between inducer and responder cells require further investigation. Infection with a glia- and neuronotropic coronavirus demonstrates that astrocytes mount a delayed but more robust response to infection than microglia, despite their lower basal mRNA levels of IFN-α/β-inducing components. Lethal, uncontrolled viral dissemination following ablation of astrocyte IFN-α/β signaling revealed the importance of IFN-α/β responses in a single cell type for protection. Sustained global IFN-α/β expression associated with uncontrolled virus did not suffice to protect neurons and further impaired responsiveness to protective IFN-γ. The results support astrocytes as critical contributors to innate immunity and the concept that limited IFN-α/β responses are critical for effective subsequent antiviral IFN-γ function.
Collapse
|
42
|
Garcia-Esparcia P, Diaz-Lucena D, Ainciburu M, Torrejón-Escribano B, Carmona M, Llorens F, Ferrer I. Glutamate Transporter GLT1 Expression in Alzheimer Disease and Dementia With Lewy Bodies. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:122. [PMID: 29755340 PMCID: PMC5932187 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate transporter solute carrier family 1, member 2 (GLT1/EAAT2), a major modulator of glutamate homeostasis in astrocytes, is assessed in post-mortem human brain samples of frontal cortex area 8 in advanced stages of Alzheimer disease (AD) and terminal stages of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in order to gain understanding of astrogliopathy in diseases manifested by dementia. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA expression is significantly increased in AD but not in DLB, whereas GLT1, vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (vGLUT1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member 1 (ALDH1L1) are not modified in AD and DLB when compared with controls. GLT1 protein levels are not altered in AD and DLB but GFAP and ALDH1L1 are significantly increased in AD, and GFAP in DLB. As a result, a non-significant decrease in the ratio between GLT1 and GFAP, and between GLT1 and ALDH1L1, is found in both AD and DLB. Double-labeling immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy revealed no visible reduction of GLT1 immunoreactivity in relation to β-amyloid plaques in AD. These data suggest a subtle imbalance between GLT1, and GFAP and ALDH1L1 expression, with limited consequences in glutamate transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Garcia-Esparcia
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERNED (Biomedical Network Research Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Diaz-Lucena
- CIBERNED (Biomedical Network Research Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Ainciburu
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamin Torrejón-Escribano
- Biology Unit, Scientific and Technical Services, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Margarita Carmona
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERNED (Biomedical Network Research Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Franc Llorens
- CIBERNED (Biomedical Network Research Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, l'Hospitalet de Llobregat (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERNED (Biomedical Network Research Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Senior Consultant Service of Pathology, Bellvitge University Hospital, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Verkhratsky A, Nedergaard M. Physiology of Astroglia. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:239-389. [PMID: 29351512 PMCID: PMC6050349 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 899] [Impact Index Per Article: 149.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Balasubramanian S, Packard JA, Leach JB, Powell EM. Three-Dimensional Environment Sustains Morphological Heterogeneity and Promotes Phenotypic Progression During Astrocyte Development. Tissue Eng Part A 2017; 22:885-98. [PMID: 27193766 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are critical for coordinating normal brain function by regulating brain metabolic homeostasis, synaptogenesis and neurotransmission, and blood-brain barrier permeability and maintenance. Dysregulation of normal astrocyte ontogeny contributes to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, epilepsies, and adverse responses to injury. To achieve these multiple essential roles, astrocyte phenotypes are regionally, morphologically, and functionally heterogeneous. Therefore, the best regenerative medicine strategies may require selective production of distinct astrocyte subpopulations at defined maturation levels. However, little is known about the mechanisms that direct astrocyte diversity or whether heterogeneity is represented in biomaterials. In vitro studies report lack of normal morphologies and overrepresentation of the glial scar type of reactive astrocyte morphology and expression of markers, questioning how well the in vitro astrocytes represent glia in vivo and whether in vitro tissue engineering methods are suitable for regenerative medicine applications. Our previous work with neurons suggests that the three-dimensional (3D) environment, when compared with standard two-dimensional (2D) substrate, yields cellular and molecular behaviors that more closely approximately normal ontogeny. To specifically study the effects of dimensionality, we used purified glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing primary cerebral cortical astrocyte cultures from single pups and characterized the cellular maturation profiles in 2D and 3D milieu. We identified four morphological groups in vitro: round, bipolar, stellate, and putative perivascular. In the 3D hydrogel culture environment, postnatal astrocytes transitioned from a population of nearly all round cells and very few bipolar cells toward a population with significant fractions of round, stellate, and putative perivascular cells within a few days, following the in vivo ontogeny. In 2D, however, the population shift from round and bipolar to stellate and perivascular was rarely observed. The transition to distinct cellular morphologies in 3D corresponded to the in vivo expression of phenotypic markers, supporting the generation of mature heterogeneous glial populations in vitro. This study presents quantitative data supporting that 3D culture is critical for sustaining the heterogeneity of astrocytes in vitro and for generating a representation of the in vivo portfolio of heterogeneous populations of astrocytes required for therapeutic interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy, and brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John A Packard
- 1 Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, UMBC , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jennie B Leach
- 1 Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, UMBC , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth M Powell
- 2 Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Psychiatry, and Bioengineering, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ferrer I. Diversity of astroglial responses across human neurodegenerative disorders and brain aging. Brain Pathol 2017; 27:645-674. [PMID: 28804999 PMCID: PMC8029391 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrogliopathy refers to alterations of astrocytes occurring in diseases of the nervous system, and it implies the involvement of astrocytes as key elements in the pathogenesis and pathology of diseases and injuries of the central nervous system. Reactive astrocytosis refers to the response of astrocytes to different insults to the nervous system, whereas astrocytopathy indicates hypertrophy, atrophy/degeneration and loss of function and pathological remodeling occurring as a primary cause of a disease or as a factor contributing to the development and progression of a particular disease. Reactive astrocytosis secondary to neuron loss and astrocytopathy due to intrinsic alterations of astrocytes occur in neurodegenerative diseases, overlap each other, and, together with astrocyte senescence, contribute to disease-specific astrogliopathy in aging and neurodegenerative diseases with abnormal protein aggregates in old age. In addition to the well-known increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein and other proteins in reactive astrocytes, astrocytopathy is evidenced by deposition of abnormal proteins such as β-amyloid, hyper-phosphorylated tau, abnormal α-synuclein, mutated huntingtin, phosphorylated TDP-43 and mutated SOD1, and PrPres , in Alzheimer's disease, tauopathies, Lewy body diseases, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, respectively. Astrocytopathy in these diseases can also be manifested by impaired glutamate transport; abnormal metabolism and release of neurotransmitters; altered potassium, calcium and water channels resulting in abnormal ion and water homeostasis; abnormal glucose metabolism; abnormal lipid and, particularly, cholesterol metabolism; increased oxidative damage and altered oxidative stress responses; increased production of cytokines and mediators of the inflammatory response; altered expression of connexins with deterioration of cell-to-cell networks and transfer of gliotransmitters; and worsening function of the blood brain barrier, among others. Increased knowledge of these aspects will permit a better understanding of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases in old age as complex disorders in which neurons are not the only players.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isidro Ferrer
- Department of Pathology and Experimental TherapeuticsUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Institute of NeuropathologyPathologic Anatomy Service, Bellvitge University Hospital, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de LlobregatBarcelonaSpain
- Institute of NeurosciencesUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Biomedical Network Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Verkhratsky A, Zorec R, Parpura V. Stratification of astrocytes in healthy and diseased brain. Brain Pathol 2017; 27:629-644. [PMID: 28805002 PMCID: PMC5599174 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells, come in variety of forms and functions. However, overarching role of these cell is in the homeostasis of the brain, be that regulation of ions, neurotransmitters, metabolism or neuronal synaptic networks. Loss of homeostasis represents the underlying cause of all brain disorders. Thus, astrocytes are likely involved in most if not all of the brain pathologies. We tabulate astroglial homeostatic functions along with pathological condition that arise from dysfunction of these glial cells. Classification of astrocytes is presented with the emphasis on evolutionary trails, morphological appearance and numerical preponderance. We note that, even though astrocytes from a variety of mammalian species share some common features, human astrocytes appear to be the largest and most complex of all astrocytes studied thus far. It is then an imperative to develop humanized models to study the role of astrocytes in brain pathologies, which is perhaps most abundantly clear in the case of glioblastoma multiforme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental PsychologyThe University of ManchesterManchesterUnited Kingdom
- Achúcarro Basque Center for NeuroscienceIKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science48011 BilbaoSpain
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED48940 LeioaSpain
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Cell EngineeringCelica BIOMEDICAL, Tehnološki park 24, Ljubljana 1000SloveniaEurope
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology‐Molecular Cell PhysiologyInstitute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, Ljubljana 1000SloveniaEurope
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, Civitan International Research Center and Center for Glial Biology in Medicine, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, 1719 6th Avenue South, CIRC 429University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAL 35294‐0021
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Liu B, Teschemacher AG, Kasparov S. Neuroprotective potential of astroglia. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:2126-2139. [PMID: 28836687 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Astroglia are the homoeostatic cells of the central nervous system, which participate in all essential functions of the brain. Astrocytes support neuronal networks by handling water and ion fluxes, transmitter clearance, provision of antioxidants, and metabolic precursors and growth factors. The critical dependence of neurons on constant support from the astrocytes confers astrocytes with intrinsic neuroprotective properties. On the other hand, loss of astrocytic support or their pathological transformation compromises neuronal functionality and viability. Manipulating neuroprotective functions of astrocytes is thus an important strategy to enhance neuronal survival and improve outcomes in disease states. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beihui Liu
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - A G Teschemacher
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sergey Kasparov
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.,Institute of Living Systems, School of Life Sciences, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Microglia amplify inflammatory activation of astrocytes in manganese neurotoxicity. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:99. [PMID: 28476157 PMCID: PMC5418760 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0871-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the primary immune response cell in the central nervous system, microglia constantly monitor the microenvironment and respond rapidly to stress, infection, and injury, making them important modulators of neuroinflammatory responses. In diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and human immunodeficiency virus-induced dementia, activation of microglia precedes astrogliosis and overt neuronal loss. Although microgliosis is implicated in manganese (Mn) neurotoxicity, the role of microglia and glial crosstalk in Mn-induced neurodegeneration is poorly understood. METHODS Experiments utilized immunopurified murine microglia and astrocytes using column-free magnetic separation. The effect of Mn on microglia was investigated using gene expression analysis, Mn uptake measurements, protein production, and changes in morphology. Additionally, gene expression analysis was used to determine the effect Mn-treated microglia had on inflammatory responses in Mn-exposed astrocytes. RESULTS Immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analysis of immunopurified microglia and astrocytes indicated cultures were 97 and 90% pure, respectively. Mn treatment in microglia resulted in a dose-dependent increase in pro-inflammatory gene expression, transition to a mixed M1/M2 phenotype, and a de-ramified morphology. Conditioned media from Mn-exposed microglia (MCM) dramatically enhanced expression of mRNA for Tnf, Il-1β, Il-6, Ccl2, and Ccl5 in astrocytes, as did exposure to Mn in the presence of co-cultured microglia. MCM had increased levels of cytokines and chemokines including IL-6, TNF, CCL2, and CCL5. Pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB in microglia using Bay 11-7082 completely blocked microglial-induced astrocyte activation, whereas siRNA knockdown of Tnf in primary microglia only partially inhibited neuroinflammatory responses in astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence that NF-κB signaling in microglia plays an essential role in inflammatory responses in Mn toxicity by regulating cytokines and chemokines that amplify the activation of astrocytes.
Collapse
|
50
|
Theofilas P, Steinhäuser C, Theis M, Derouiche A. Morphological study of a connexin 43-GFP reporter mouse highlights glial heterogeneity, amacrine cells, and olfactory ensheathing cells. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:2182-2194. [PMID: 28370142 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the main astrocytic connexin and forms the basis of the glial syncytium. The morphology of connexin-expressing cells can be best studied in transgenic mouse lines expressing cytoplasmic fluorescent reporters, since immunolabeling the plaques can obscure the shapes of the individual cells. The Cx43kiECFP mouse generated by Degen et al. (FASEBJ 26:4576, 2012) expresses cytosolic ECFP and has previously been used to establish that Cx43 may not be expressed by all astrocytes within a population, and this can vary in a region-dependent way. To establish this mouse line as a tool for future astrocyte and connexin research, we sought to consolidate reporter authenticity, studying cell types and within-region population heterogeneity. Applying anti-GFP, all cell types related to astroglia were positive-namely, protoplasmic astrocytes in the hippocampus, cortex, thalamus, spinal cord, olfactory bulb, cerebellum with Bergmann glia and astrocytes also in the molecular layer, and retinal Müller cells and astrocytes. Labeled cell types further comprise white matter astrocytes, olfactory ensheathing cells, radial glia-like stem cells, retinal pigment epithelium cells, ependymal cells, and meningeal cells. We furthermore describe a retinal Cx43-expressing amacrine cell morphologically reminiscent of ON-OFF wide-field amacrine cells, representing the first example of a mammalian CNS neuron-expressing Cx43 protein. In double staining with cell type-specific markers (GFAP, S100ß, glutamine synthetase), Cx43 reporter expression in the hippocampus and cortex was restricted to GFAP+ astrocytes. Altogether, this mouse line is a highly reliable tool for studies of Cx43-expressing CNS cells and astroglial cell morphology. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panos Theofilas
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Theis
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Amin Derouiche
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Institute for Anatomy II, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|